Versatile pest station with interchangeable inserts

ABSTRACT

A versatile pest station for use with interchangeable inserts includes a housing, a lock mechanism, a first insert, and a second insert. The housing includes a base, a lid, and an opening. The base and the lid form a cavity, and the opening provides access to the cavity. The base has a bottom surface and is configured and arranged to be securely mounted to a surface. The lock mechanism interlocks the base and the lid. The first insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the first insert includes an entrance mechanism. The second insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the second insert includes a snap trap. The first insert and the second insert are interchangeable for individual use with the housing, and the first insert and the second insert are elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/826,703, filed Sep. 22, 2006, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a versatile pest station withinterchangeable inserts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pest stations have been used to securely hold trap mechanisms and baitsto protect facilities from invasion and infestation of rodents such asrats and mice, insects, and other pests. Use of baits is a historicallyrobust and effective approach to protecting facilities from pests.Recently, legislative and consumer interests have challenged the pestmanagement industry to rely less on poisonous baits and to identifyother solutions, primarily through monitoring and trapping. The cost ofreplacing pest stations with other devices is, however, quite high anddiscourages adoption of such other solutions. The present inventionaddresses the problems associated with the prior art devices andprovides for a versatile pest station with interchangeable inserts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a versatile pest stationfor use with interchangeable inserts including a housing, a lockmechanism, a first insert, and a second insert. The housing includes abase, a lid, and an opening. The base and the lid form a cavity, and theopening provides access to the cavity. The base has a bottom surface andis configured and arranged to be securely mounted to a surface. The lockmechanism interlocks the base and the lid. The first insert isconfigured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the first insertincludes an entrance mechanism. The second insert is configured andarranged to fit within the cavity, and the second insert includes a snaptrap. The first insert and the second insert are interchangeable forindividual use with the housing, and the first insert and the secondinsert are elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an insert for use witha pest station, the pest station including a station housing having astation cavity. The insert includes an insert housing, an entrancemechanism, and an access member. The insert housing includes a base, alid, and an opening. The base and the lid form an insert cavityconfigured and arranged to contain a pest, and the opening providesaccess to the insert cavity. The entrance mechanism is proximate theopening, and the entrance mechanism allows entrance into the insertcavity and prevents exit out of the insert cavity. The access member isreleasably connectable to the insert housing proximate the opening. Theinsert housing may be used individually by detaching the access memberfrom the insert housing, and the insert housing may be used with thepest station by placing the insert housing within the station cavity.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an insert for use witha pest station, the pest station including a station housing having astation cavity. The insert includes an insert housing, a first snaptrap, and a second snap trap. The insert housing is configured andarranged to fit within the station cavity. The insert housing has abase, sides, and a front portion. The base has a front and a rear. Thebase and the sides form an insert cavity, and the front portion allowsaccess to the insert cavity. The base is inclined from proximate thefront to proximate the rear and includes a connecting member. The firstsnap trap and a second snap trap are positioned within the insert cavityand releasably kept in place by the connecting member. The connectingmember prevents the first snap trap and the second snap trap fromsliding off the base. The releasable connections between the first andsecond snap traps and the connecting member reduces activation of thesecond snap trap when the first snap trap is activated.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method ofinterchanging inserts in a pest station. A lock mechanism interlocking alid to a base of a pest station is unlocked and the lid is opened. Afirst insert including an entrance mechanism is removed from a cavity ofthe pest station. A second insert including a first snap trap and asecond snap trap is placed within the cavity of the pest station. Thelid is closed, and the locking mechanism is secured to interlock the lidto the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a versatile pest stationconstructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the versatile pest station shownin FIG. 1 with an opened lid;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a base of the versatile pest station shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 3 with aportion cut away to show a bottom of a second insert;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the versatile pest station shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the versatile pest station shownin FIG. 1 with an opened lid revealing a first insert;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the first insert shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the first insert shown in FIG. 7with an opened lid;

FIG. 9 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first insert shown inFIG. 7 with an opened lid and an entrance mechanism and a removableaccess member;

FIG. 10 is a portion of the first insert shown in FIG. 7 with theremovable access member shown in FIG. 9 connected thereto;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the first insert shown in FIG. 7with removable access members connected thereto;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the first insert shown in FIG. 7with an opened lid and entrance mechanisms and removable access membersconnected thereto;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the first insert shown in FIG. 12with the removable access members removed;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the versatile pest station shownin FIG. 1 with an opened lid revealing a second insert;

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of the second insert positioned in abase of the versatile pest station shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the second insert shown in FIG.14;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the second insert shown in FIG.14 with snap traps positioned therein;

FIG. 18 is an exploded front perspective view of a portion of the secondinsert shown in FIG. 14 and a snap trap;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the snap trap shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the versatile pest station shownin FIG. 1 with an opened lid revealing a third insert;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the third insert shown in FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a fourth insert for use with theversatile pest station shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the insert shown in FIG. 22 withan opened lid;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the insert shown in FIG. 22 with the lidremoved;

FIG. 25 is an exploded front perspective view of the insert shown inFIG. 22; and

FIG. 26 is an exploded rear perspective view of the insert shown in FIG.22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A versatile pest station with interchangeable inserts constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention is designated bythe numeral 100 in the drawings.

The versatile pest station 100 includes a housing 101 that could have avariety of discreet appearances such as resembling grass, rocks, vents,and other items so as to blend into its environment. The housing 101,shown in FIGS. 1-5, includes a base 102 and a lid 124 that form a cavity137 in which interchangeable inserts and pests are contained.

The base 102 includes a bottom portion 103 and sides 114 and 117interconnecting a front wall 107 and a rear wall 111 extending upwardfrom the bottom portion 103. The front wall 107, the sides 114 and 117,and the rear wall 111 form an opening 120 into a cavity 108 of the base102. The bottom portion 103 includes a pan 105 proximate a middleportion of its inner surface within the cavity 108. The bottom of thepan 105 includes drain apertures 122 and an aperture 123 through which afastener, such as a nail or a screw, could be inserted to secure thebase 102 to a surface, such as a floor or the ground. An elevatedplatform 106 surrounds the pan 105 proximate the front wall 107 and thesides 114 and 117 and is elevated relative to a bottom surface 104 ofthe bottom portion 103 and the bottom of the pan 105. The sides 114 and117 includes notches 115 and 118, respectively, proximate the rear wall111. Inclined passageways 116 and 119 provide a ramp from proximate thesurface and the notches 115 and 118, respectively, to the elevatedplatform 106. Between the rear wall 111 and the pan 105 is a receptacle121 configured and arranged to hold maintenance records.

The front wall 107 includes a protrusion 109 that extends inward towardthe pan 105 and includes a female portion 144 of a lock mechanism 142.The rear wall 111 includes protrusions 112 and 113 extending inwardtoward the pan 105. The protrusion 112 is proximate the juncture of theinclined passageway 116, the elevated platform 106, and the pan 105. Theprotrusion 113 is proximate the juncture of the inclined passageway 119,the elevated platform 106, and the pan 105. The rear wall 111 ispreferably higher than the front wall 107 and includes apertures 111 athrough which fasteners, such as nails or screws, could be inserted tosecure the rear wall 111 to a surface such as a wall.

The lid 124 includes a top plate 125 and sides 128 and 130interconnecting a front wall 126 and a rear wall 133. The rear wall 133is operatively connected to the rear wall 111 of the base 102 with ahinge 134, and the lid 124 may be pivoted about the hinge 134 to openand close the lid 124. The front wall 126 includes a protrusion 127 thatextends inward and includes a male portion 143 of the lock mechanism 142that corresponds with the female portion 144 on the front wall 107 ofthe base 102. The first side 128 includes a first notch 129 proximatethe rear wall 133 corresponding with the first notch 115 of the base 102to form an opening 138 when the lid 124 is closed. The second side 130includes a second notch 131 proximate the rear wall 133 correspondingwith the second notch 118 of the base 102 to form an opening 139 whenthe lid 124 is closed. The sides 128 and 130 also preferably includeprotrusions 132 extending inward and downward to stabilize the inserts,such as insert 150, between the base 102 and the lid 124 when the lid124 is closed. The protrusions 132 also add some strength to the lid124.

The base 102 and the lid 124 form the cavity 137 in whichinterchangeable inserts and pests are contained, and the first opening138 and the second opening 139 provide access to the cavity 137.

A bottom surface 104 of the bottom portion 103 could be positioned on asurface, such as a floor or the ground, and the rear wall 111 could bepositioned against a surface such as a wall. A fastener, such as a nailor a screw, could be inserted through the aperture 123 to secure thebottom portion 103 to the surface or through the apertures 111 a tosecure the rear wall 111 to the wall. Alternatively, the housing 101could be placed in a corner with the front walls 107 and 126 facing thecorner.

The lock mechanism 142 secures the lid 124 to the base 102, and a key(not shown) is inserted into the slot in the lid 124 to release the maleportion 143 from the female portion 144. The lock mechanism 142 securingthe lid 124 to the base 102 along with securing the base 102 to asurface assist in providing a tamper resistant housing 101. Further, thesize of the openings 138 and 139 minimize the risk of non-targeted pests(i.e., pets and children) from accessing the cavity 137 and itscontents.

The housing 101 could also include a signal mechanism indicating when apest is trapped within the housing 101 or within the insert. Such signalmechanisms could include mechanical means and electrical means wellknown in the art. Mechanical means could include a spring biased flagthat pops up when a pest is trapped within the housing 101 or within theinsert thus providing visual indication proximate the housing.Electrical means could include sensor devices, transmitters, andreceivers that send an alert via the internet to an electronic mailaddress or send a message to a cellular phone.

The housing 101 is similar to the housing disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,806,237 to Nelson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, and the housing 101 is versatile as it is configured andarranged to contain a variety of inserts such as inserts 150, 170, 170′,and 300.

A first insert 150, shown in FIGS. 6-9 and 11-13, is also versatilebecause it includes several optional configurations for use individuallyor with a bait station such as housing 101. The insert 150 is preferablymade of galvanized stainless steel but could be made of other suitablematerials such as plastic. The insert 150 includes a base 151 with abottom plate 152 and a front 158, sides 153 a and 153 b, and a rear 157extending upward from the bottom plate 152. The bottom plate 152preferably includes six sides, and the sides adjacent the rear 157 donot have walls extending upward therefrom and therefore form openings168 a and 169 a between the rear 157 and the sides 153 a and 153 b,respectively. Proximate the opening 168 a and between the side 153 a andthe rear 157 is a receptacle 152 a, which is a tab extending upward fromthe bottom plate 152 creating an opening in the bottom plate 152.Proximate the opening 169 a and the side 153 b is a receptacle 152 b,which is a tab extending upward from the bottom plate 152 creating anopening in the bottom plate 152. The tabs creating the openings arepreferably three adjacent sides of a rectangle cut from the bottom plate152 and bent upward proximate the fourth side that is not cut therefrom.The receptacles 152 a and 152 b are preferably rectangular shapedopenings with the longitudinal axis extending parallel to the sidesadjacent the rear 157.

Proximate the opening 168 a are first tab 154 a and second tab 155 a.First tab 154 a is a tab extending outward from the side 153 a proximatethe juncture of the side 153 a and the bottom plate 152. First tab 154 ais preferably three adjacent sides of a rectangle with the longest sidecut from the bottom plate 152 and the adjacent sides extending from thebottom plate 152 into the side 153. The fourth side is not cut and isbent to extend outward from the side 153 a. Second tab 155 a is a tabextending upward from the bottom plate 152 proximate the juncture of therear 157 and the adjacent side. Second tab 155 a is preferably threeadjacent sides of a rectangle cut from the bottom plate 152. The fourthside is not cut and is bent to extend upward from the bottom plate 152.

Proximate the opening 169 a are first tab 154 b and second tab 155 b.First tab 154 b is a tab extending outward from the side 153 b proximatethe juncture of the side 153 b and the bottom plate 152. Second tab is atab extending upward from the bottom plate 152 proximate the juncture ofthe rear 157 and the adjacent side. First tab 154 b and second tab 155 bare similarly created as first tab 154 a and second tab 155 a. First tab154 a and second tab 155 a extend parallel to one another and first tab154 b and second tab 155 b extend parallel to one another approximatelythe widths of the openings 168 a and 169 a.

Side 153 a includes a receptacle 159 a, and side 153 b includes areceptacle 159 b. Receptacle 159 a is proximate the opening 168 a and iscreated by making parallel cuts in the side 153 a and bending the side153 a between the cuts inward. Similarly, receptacle 159 b is proximatethe opening 169 a and is created by making parallel cuts in the side 153b and bending the side 153 b between the cuts inward.

A lid 160 includes a top plate 163 and a front 166, sides 164 a and 164b, and a rear 165 extending downward from the top plate 163. The topplate 163 includes six sides corresponding to the six sides of thebottom plate 152, and the sides adjacent the rear 165 do not have wallsextending downward therefrom and therefore form openings 168 b and 169 bbetween the rear 165 and the sides 164 a and 164 b, respectively. Thefront 166 of the lid 160 and the front 158 of the base 151 arepreferably operatively connected with a hinge 161 so that the lid 160may be pivoted about the hinge 161 to open and close the insert 150. Thelid 160 is preferably slightly larger than the base 151 so that thefront 166 and sides 164 a and 164 b overlap the front 158 and sides 153a and 153 b of the base 151 when the lid 160 is closed. The lid 160could also be a separate cover simply placed over the top of the base151 rather than being hingedly connected to the base 151. When the lid160 is closed, the lid 160 and the base 151 form a cavity 162, and theopenings in the base and the lid proximate the sides 153 a and 164 aform a first opening 168 into the cavity 162 and the openings in thebase and the lid proximate the sides 153 b and 164 b form a secondopening 169 into the cavity 162.

An optional plurality of apertures 156 in the insert 150 allow forvisual inspection for pests contained within the cavity 162 withouthaving to open the lid 160.

The insert 150 could include entrance mechanisms 194 proximate theopenings 168 and 169. The entrance mechanism 194 is preferably aninclined plane trap assembly, which is well known in the art. Examplesof inclined plane trap assemblies that could be used are the TIN CAT™Repeating Mouse Trap, Model M310, by Woodstream Corporation of Lititz,Pa. and the inclined plane trap assemblies shown and described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,103,448 and in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/729,832,10/196,690, 10/383,620, and 10/383,737, which are incorporated herein byreference. Although inclined plane trap assemblies are preferred, anysuitable device that allows for the entrance of one or more pests intothe insert 150 and prevents the exit of the one or more pests from theinsert 150 could be used.

Each of the entrance mechanisms 194 include a door 194 a through whichpests may enter but not exit the cavity 162 proximate the openings 168and 169. Each side of the entrance mechanism 194 proximate the bottomhas a flange extending outward therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 9,flange 195 a corresponds with second tab 155 b and flange 195 bcorresponds with first tab 154 b. Similarly, for a second entrancemechanism 194, flange 195 a corresponds with first tab 154 a and flange195 b corresponds with second tab 155 a.

The tabs of first tab 154 a and second tab 155 a extend inward towardone another and the tabs of first tab 154 b and second tab 155 b extendinward and toward one another creating channels through which theflanges 195 a and 195 b of the entrance mechanisms 194 may be slid toposition the entrance mechanisms 194 within the cavity 162 proximate theopenings 168 and 169. The entrance mechanisms 194 could also be squeezedinward so that the flanges 195 a and 195 b are deflected inward forinsertion into the tabs. If the insert 150 is moved, the tabs keep theentrance mechanisms 194 in place within the cavity 162. If desired, theentrance mechanisms 194 may be removed by simply sliding them outthrough the openings 168 a and 169 a or squeezing the entrancemechanisms 194 inward to deflect the flanges 195 a and 195 b inward.

Optional access member 196 a proximate opening 168 and access member 196b proximate opening 169 could be used and are easily connected anddisconnected from the insert 150. As shown in FIG. 9, access member 196b includes sides 199 a and 199 b interconnecting a top 197 and a bottom198. The top 197 extends outward from proximate the opening 169 like anawning to provide some protection for bottom 198, which also extendsoutward from proximate the opening 169. The bottom 198 preferablyincludes step members but could include any suitable climbing assistingmember, such as a textured ramp, to assist the pests in climbing fromproximate the ground or other surface upward into the opening 169. Side199 b includes a side connector 200 b extending outward therefromopposite the side from which the top 197 and the bottom 198 extend. Asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side connector 200 b includes a hook-likeend and is configured and arranged to slide into receptacle 159 b. Thebottom 198 includes a bottom connector 201 extending outward therefromopposite the side from which the top 197 and the bottom 198 extend. Asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bottom connector 201 includes a Y-like endwith a hook-like protrusion 201 a extending upward and a protrusion 201b extending downward from the end. The bottom connector 201 is placedunder the bottom plate 152 and the hook-like protrusion 201 a extendsupward to engage the receptacle 152 b.

The hook-like end of the side connector 200 b engages the receptacle 159b and the hook-like protrusion 201 a of the bottom connector 201 engagesthe receptacle 152 b to connect the access member 196 b to the insert150. To disconnect the access member 196 b from the insert 150, the sideconnector 200 b is deflected upward to disengage the hook-like end fromthe receptacle 159 b and the bottom connector 201 is deflected downwardto disengage the hook-like protrusion from the receptacle 152 b. Theprotrusion 201 b may be used to deflect the bottom connector 201downward.

The access member 196 a is similarly constructed for use proximateopening 168 and includes a side connector 200 a configured and arrangedto slide into receptacle 159 a. Alternatively, the access members 196 aand 196 b could be connected using fasteners such as screws. Thesurfaces 196 a and 196 b provide many functions such as assisting thepests in climbing upward to the openings 168 and 169, preventing thepests from gaining access to the cavity 108 of the housing 101, andpreventing contaminants from entering the cavities 162 and 108.

There are many optional configurations of the insert 150, and the insert150 could be used with housing 101 or by itself. The insert 150 could beplaced within the cavity 108 of the housing 101, which elevates theinsert 150 relative to the ground or floor, and it is preferable toconnect the access members 196 a and 196 b to the insert 150 to assistthe rodents in entering the elevated insert 150. The insert 150 couldinclude the entrance mechanisms 194 to be a multiple catch trap assemblyallowing more than one pest to be trapped within the insert 150.Further, regardless if the entrance mechanisms 194 are used, a glueboard or at least one snap trap may be placed within the cavity 162 ofthe insert 150 to trap at least one pest within the insert 150. Evenfurther, nontoxic and toxic baits and attractants could be placed withinthe cavity 162 of the insert 150. The access members 196 a and 196 bcould be disconnected from the insert 150 to use the insert 150 byitself. The shape of the insert 150 allows it to be placed against awall with the rears 157 and 165 proximate the wall or placed in a cornerwith the sides 153 a and 153 b proximate the walls forming the corner.The insert 150 could also include a lock mechanism and be secured to theground or the wall with a fastener to provide a tamper-proof device.

A second insert 170 includes a base 171 from which sides 175 extendupward proximate a rear 173 and sides of the base 171 defining a cavity178 therebetween. A front portion 176 extends outward and downward froma front 172 of the base 171 and may include an optional textured surface176 a to assist the pests in climbing into the cavity 178. A partition171 a extends upward from the base 171 proximate a middle of the rear173 from the side 175 toward a middle of the front 172. On each side ofthe partition 171 a is a connecting member 174 that extends upward fromthe base 171 proximate the rear 173. Proximate the tops of the sides 175between the front 172 and rear 173 are handles 179 extending outwardtherefrom. The bottom of the insert 170 preferably includes protrusions187 extending downward from the bottom proximate the front 172 and thefront portion 176. The protrusions 187 are shown in FIGS. 4, 15, and 18.The protrusions 187 extend into the cavity of the pan 105 and assist inpreventing the insert 170 from sliding forward off the base 102. Theinsert 170 is shown in FIGS. 14-17.

A snap trap 180 may be placed within the cavity 178 on each side of thepartition 171 a. Although many different types of snap traps could beused, an example of a suitable snap trap is the SNAP-E™ mousetrap,product code 102-0-001, manufactured by Kness Mfg. Co., Inc. located inAlbia, Iowa. The bottoms of the snap traps 180 include voids 181 asshown in FIG. 19, and the connecting members 174 fit within the voids181 as shown in FIG. 18 to assist in preventing the snap traps 180 fromsliding forward off the base 171. Preferably, the connecting members 174are angled upward toward the rear 173 so that the snap traps 180 cansimply be slide backward along the connecting members 174 until theconnecting members 174 fit into the voids 181. To disengage the snaptraps 180 from the connecting member 174, the snap traps 180 are simplylifted upward. The connecting members 174 do not secure the snap traps180 to the base 171 because this reduces the likelihood of activatingthe other snap trap when one snap trap has been activated. If the snaptraps are secured to the base, the force of one snap trap beingactivated increases the likelihood that the other snap trap will beactivated. As shown in FIG. 18, an attractant 186 could be used with thesnap traps 180.

As shown in FIG. 21, a third insert 170′ is like the second insert 170but includes an aperture 179 a in each handle 179′, a notch 183 in thesides 175′ proximate the handles 179′ aligned with the correspondingaperture 179 a, and an aperture 182 below each notch 183. A rod 184includes a first end 184 a and a second end 184 b. The second end 184 bis bent upward, outward, and then downward relative to the first end 184a. The first end 184 a is configured and arranged to be inserted intoaperture 182, and the second end 184 b is configured and arranged to beinserted into the notch 183 and the aperture 179 a. Bait 185 is threadedonto the first end 184 a of the rod 184 and positioned on the rod 184 sothat a piece of bait 185 is on each side of the partition 171 a′.Although the rod 184 is shown in a horizontal orientation, a rod couldbe oriented vertically on one or both sides of the partition 171 a′. Forexample, a rod could be inserted into an aperture in the base of theinsert, preferably having mating threads, and the bait could simply bethreaded onto the other end of the rod. Alternatively, bait could simplybe placed on the base on each side of the partition, but then the pestscould take the entire bait out of the insert. By being threaded onto therod, as the pests consume the bait, the bait provides evidence of pests.Alternatively, a connecting member 177, which is a ledge-like protrusionextending upward from the base 171 proximate the front 172 and the frontportion 176 as shown in FIGS. 20-21, could be used to prevent the snaptraps or the bait from sliding forward off the base 171. Also, a glueboard could be placed on the base within the cavity as well as water andone to two snap traps.

A fourth insert 300 is shown in FIGS. 22-26 and is similar to insert150. Because these inserts are similar, only the significant differencesof insert 300 will be described herein. Insert 300 includes accessmembers 396 a and 396 b with apertures 312 a and 312 b, respectively,through which fasteners 311 are inserted to secure them to the base 351proximate the openings 368 a and 369 a. Top portions 397 a and 397 b aresecured with fasteners 313 to the lid 360 by inserting the fasteners 313through apertures 314 a and 314 b in the lid 360 proximate the openings368 b and 369 b. If it is desired to use the insert 300 by itself, theaccess members 396 a and 396 b may be removed by simply removing thefasteners 311. Optionally, the top portions 397 a and 397 b may also beremoved by simply removing the fasteners 313.

The insert 300 also includes entrance mechanisms 394 with flanges 395 aand 395 b that slidably connect to the base 351 by sliding into brackets316 a and 316 b mounted to the base 351 proximate the openings 368 a and369 a. The brackets 316 a and 316 b are rectangular plate members withopposing sides bent upward thereby creating a channel through which theentrance mechanisms 394 are slid. The bent sides 317 a and 317 b of thebrackets 316 a and 316 b engage the flanges 395 a and 395 b of theentrance mechanisms 394 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.

A lock mechanism 342, similar to lock mechanism 142, secures the lid 360to the base 351. The base 351 includes a female portion 344 configuredand arranged to receive a male portion 343 connected to the lid 360. Ashield 345 may also be connected to the lid 360 to protect the maleportion 343 from contact by pests contained within the cavity 362.

The housing 101 may be used with any of these inserts. For insert 150,as shown in FIG. 6, the rears 157 and 165 of the insert 150 arepositioned proximate protrusions 112 and 113 of the rear wall 111 of thebase 102 and the fronts 158 and 166 of the insert 150 are positionedproximate the protrusion 109 of the front wall 107 of the base 102. Theaccess members 196 a and 196 b are positioned proximate the inclinedpassageways 119 and 116, respectively. The elevated platform 106elevates the base 151 of the insert 150 relative to the ground or othersurface, and the inclined passageways 116 and 119 or the bottoms 198 ofthe access members 196 a and 196 b (if used) allow the pest to climb upto the elevated base 151. If the access members 196 a and 196 b are notused, the inclined passageways 116 and 119 could be textured. When thelid 124 of the housing 101 is closed, the protrusions 132 are proximatethe lid 160 of the insert 150, and could contact the lid 160, tosandwich the insert 150 between the base 102 and the lid 124 to preventthe insert 150 from moving too much vertically within the cavity 137.The protrusions 109, 112, and 113 prevent the insert 150 from moving toomuch laterally within the cavity 137. The pests may access the cavity162 of the insert 150 by entering the openings 138 and 139, climbing upthe inclined passageways 116 and 119 or the bottoms 198 of the accessmembers 196 a and 196 b (if used), through the doors 194 a of theentrance mechanisms 194 (if used), and into the cavity 162. Bait, glueboards, snap traps, and other devices may be positioned within thecavity 162.

Similarly, for insert 300, the rears of the base 351 and the lid 360also include a bump-out portion that fits between the protrusions 112and 113, which also assists in preventing lateral movement of the insert300 within the cavity 137.

For insert 170, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the handles 179 may be usedto place the insert 170 into and lift the insert 170 out of the cavity137 of the housing 101. The rear 173 is positioned proximate the rearwall 111 between protrusions 112 and 113 of the housing 101, and theprotrusions 112 and 113 include curved surfaces 112 a and 113 acorresponding to the curved corners of the sides 175. The front portion176 is positioned proximate the protrusion 109, and the front portion176 prevents pests from accessing the cavity 105 a of the pan 105 underthe insert 170. Insert 170′ fits similarly within the housing 101 asshown in FIG. 20.

The versatile pest station includes a housing that supports variousinserts including traps or monitoring devices. Suitable trapping devicesinclude single traps, multi-catch traps, snap traps, glue boards,drowning traps, electrocution traps, live traps, snares, and othertrapping devices that will be recognized by persons having ordinaryskill in the art. Suitable monitoring devices include food-based blocksmade without pesticide active ingredients, IR detectors, motiondetectors, sound detectors, mechanical sensing plates and othermonitoring devices that will be recognized by persons having ordinaryskill in the art. The inserts may also or instead contain a pesticidebait or baits.

The inserts desirably are easily installed in and removed from a baitstation, desirably without requiring tools. The inserts desirablyinclude a housing, base, mounting plate, shoe or other surface whichmates with a complementary pan, platform, support, shoe, detent, mount,latch, receptacle or other receiving feature in the station housing topermit the inserts to be properly mounted and oriented in the stationhousing without being susceptible to loose or improper installation.

For example, the inserts may be adapted to fit into an existing stationhousing such as the CHECKPOINT™ bait station from Ecolab Inc. or instations available from other suppliers. The inserts or their mountingsurfaces desirably are configured so that the inserts may also standalone as a potential indoor trap or monitoring device when placed on afloor or other horizontal surface, without being susceptible to tipping,rollover, or other misalignment when in use. The inserts may be equippedwith optional lids. The lids or inserts may include an optional lock tohold the inserts closed or to secure them in the station housings.

The CHECKPOINT™ bait station, which is a generally D-shaped plastic baitstation, desirably has rounded edges to discourage chewing and apivotable or removable lid to permit easy access. The bait station alsodesirably is equipped with a lock to control such access. Pest entrancesare located on opposite sides of the station, preferably near one edgeor wall.

Various inserts could be used with the CHECKPOINT™ bait station. A firstinsert could be a “box” like structure with a cover that can becompletely removed from the insert base when the bait station lid hasbeen removed. Two mouse traps are located inside the insert, and theinsert has readily removable walkway planks which provide a path forpests to travel up to the insert level. A second insert could be similarto the first insert but has a hinge which connects the cover to thebase.

Both the first and second inserts can if desired stand alone (e.g.,outside the bait station) to act as an indoor trap. When installed inthe bait station, the inserts desirably are elevated above the baitstation entrance and thus have better protection against weather ingressand standing water near the bait station entrance than would be the caseif the inserts were at entrance level. When the bait station is closed,the inserts are not accessible by larger non-targeted pests, animals,and children.

A third insert, which is also box like, could contain a multi-catch trapwith two one-way entrance tunnels. Perforations permit a viewer todetermine if the trap contains any pests without having to open theinsert. Optionally removable steps are provided to guide pests up intothe insert. Optionally removable shields block off open areas within thebait station and prevent pests from maneuvering around the insert.

A fourth insert could be a tray like container on which snap traps maybe positioned, on which bait may be positioned, or onto which a bait rodmay be mounted.

The inserts may have any convenient size. The box like inserts could beabout 5.5″ deep by 12″ wide by 2.25″ tall. The inserts may be made froma variety of materials including plastic, wood, paper, and metal, withsheet metal being preferred.

The inserts may be evaluated at one or more test facilities. Candidatetest facilities should be assessed for evidence of pest activity aroundthe facility exterior. Existing CHECKPOINT™ bait stations at thefacility could be used to house the various inserts, and one or twoCHECKPOINT™ bait stations equipped with DETEX™ pesticide blocks could beused for monitoring purposes. For rat and mice monitoring, the stationsshould be located around trash receptacles. Active baits should beremoved from remaining stations in and around the facility and replacedwith DETEX™ blocks for the duration of the evaluation. All stations andstation settings could be identified on an equipment location diagram.Stations should be inspected on a weekly basis. Interior multiple catchtraps could be positioned at all entry points into the facility andinspected at intervals to evaluate prevention of pest entrance into thetest facility. A count should be taken of the number of trapped pests,their body length and species in the CHECKPOINT™ bait stations and inthe interior multiple catch traps. A count should also be taken of thenumber of stations or interior multiple catch traps having a missedcatch (sprung snap trap, glue board with fur, etc.). Other pest activityin the stations or interior multiple catch traps (e.g. droppings,gnawing on the DETEX™ blocks, etc.) could also be monitored. A similarfacility near the test facility could be evaluated for comparative,subjective observations. This similar facility would not have theCHECKPOINT™ bait stations with multipurpose inserts but would serve as acontrol showing relative pest activity in the vicinity. A record couldalso be made regarding user interface factors such as the time it takesto service an insert, ease of use, damage, etc.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A versatile pest station for use with interchangeable inserts,comprising: a housing including a base, a lid, and an opening, the baseand the lid forming a cavity, the opening providing access to thecavity, the base having a bottom surface and being configured andarranged to be securely mounted to a surface; a lock mechanisminterlocking the base and the lid; a first insert configured andarranged to fit within the cavity, the first insert including anentrance mechanism; a second insert configured and arranged to fitwithin the cavity, the second insert including a snap trap; and whereinthe first insert and the second insert are interchangeable forindividual use with the housing, the first insert and the second insertbeing elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base.
 2. Theversatile pest station of claim 1, wherein the first insert includes aglue board proximate the entrance mechanism.
 3. The versatile peststation of claim 1, wherein the second insert includes a bait proximatethe snap trap.
 4. The versatile pest station of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes a signal mechanism providing indication when a pest istrapped within the housing.
 5. The versatile pest station of claim 1,wherein the first insert further comprises: an insert housing includingan insert base, an insert lid, and an insert opening, the insert baseand the insert lid forming an insert cavity configured and arranged tocontain a pest, the insert opening providing access to the insertcavity; an entrance mechanism proximate the insert opening, the entrancemechanism allowing entrance into the insert cavity and preventing exitout of the insert cavity; an access member releasably connectable to theinsert housing proximate the insert opening; and wherein the inserthousing may be used individually by detaching the access member from theinsert housing and the insert housing may be used with the pest stationby placing the insert housing within the station cavity.
 6. Theversatile pest station of claim 1, wherein the second insert furthercomprises: an insert housing configured and arranged to fit within thestation cavity, the insert housing having an insert base, sides, and afront portion, the insert base having a front and a rear, the insertbase and the sides forming an insert cavity, the front portion allowingaccess to the insert cavity, the insert base being inclined fromproximate the front to proximate the rear and including a connectingmember; and a first snap trap and a second snap trap positioned withinthe insert cavity and releasably kept in place by the connecting member,the connecting member preventing the first snap trap and the second snaptrap from sliding off the insert base, wherein the releasableconnections between the first and second snap traps and the connectingmember reduces activation of the second snap trap when the first snaptrap is activated.
 7. An insert for use with a pest station, the peststation including a station housing having a station cavity, comprising:an insert housing including a base, a lid, and an opening, the base andthe lid forming an insert cavity configured and arranged to contain apest, the opening providing access to the insert cavity; an entrancemechanism proximate the opening, the entrance mechanism allowingentrance into the insert cavity and preventing exit out of the insertcavity; an access member releasably connectable to the insert housingproximate the opening; and wherein the insert housing may be usedindividually by detaching the access member from the insert housing andthe insert housing may be used with the pest station by placing theinsert housing within the station cavity.
 8. The insert of claim 7,wherein the insert housing includes a plurality of apertures providingvisual indication of a pest contained within the cavity without openingthe lid.
 9. The insert of claim 7, wherein a glue board is positionedwithin the cavity proximate the entrance mechanism.
 10. The insert ofclaim 7, wherein the access member is attached to the insert housingwhen the insert housing is placed within the station cavity.
 11. Theinsert of claim 7, wherein the entrance mechanism is removable.
 12. Aninsert for use with a pest station, the pest station including a stationhousing having a station cavity, comprising: an insert housingconfigured and arranged to fit within the station cavity, the inserthousing having a base, sides, and a front portion, the base having afront and a rear, the base and the sides forming an insert cavity, thefront portion allowing access to the insert cavity, the base beinginclined from proximate the front to proximate the rear and including aconnecting member; and a first snap trap and a second snap trappositioned within the insert cavity and releasably kept in place by theconnecting member, the connecting member preventing the first snap trapand the second snap trap from sliding off the base, wherein thereleasable connections between the first and second snap traps and theconnecting member reduces activation of the second snap trap when thefirst snap trap is activated.
 13. The insert of claim 12, wherein theconnecting member is an upward protrusion from the base into a void inthe first and second snap traps.
 14. The insert of claim 12, wherein theconnecting member is a lip proximate the front portion.
 15. The insertof claim 12, further comprising a bait within the insert cavity.
 16. Theinsert of claim 12, wherein the first and second snap traps are removedfrom the insert cavity, further comprising a rod onto which bait isconnected, the rod being connected to the insert housing and the baitbeing within the insert cavity.
 17. The insert of claim 16, wherein therod is connected to the sides of the insert housing.
 18. A method ofinterchanging inserts in a pest station, comprising: unlocking a lockmechanism interlocking a lid to a base of a pest station; opening thelid; removing a first insert from a cavity of the pest station, thefirst insert including an entrance mechanism; placing a second insertwithin the cavity of the pest station, the second insert including afirst snap trap and a second snap trap; closing the lid; and securingthe locking mechanism to interlock the lid to the base.
 19. The methodof claim 18, further comprising securing the base to a surface therebymaking the pest station tamper resistant when the lid and the base areinterlocked with the lock mechanism.
 20. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising using the first insert separately from the pest station. 21.The method of claim 18, further comprising placing a glue board withinthe first insert proximate the entrance mechanism.
 22. The method ofclaim 18, further comprising placing bait within the second insertproximate the first snap trap and the second snap trap.